1. Cartilage Growth . Alex Eddington, Nicholas Denney Design Concept
Advisors: Dr. T. Bou-Akl, Dr. Y. Li
Abstract
This study hopes to identify a potential solution to arthritis.  In theory, cells will differentiate into chondrocytes when they undergo mechanical stimulation induced by hydrostatic pressure.  Current research has shown this method to be effective, when used in combination with growth factors. This tissue engineered approach involves the use of extracellular matrix component (collagen) and mechanical stimulation in a custom made bioreactor as cues to stimulate the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes.
Design Concept
Pneumatic Piston
Solenoid
Air Compressor
60 ml Syringe
Microcontroller
Bioreactor
Results
Background
50% of the population will endure Arthritis
Current treatments: pain medications and injections or total joint replacement
Cartilage is hard to repair and does not heal due to the lack of blood supply
Tissue Engineering
Cells
Scaffolds
Signals A B .
Histology was done using Hematoxylin and Eosin Stain on paraffin sections after mechanical stimulation for one week. Cells attached well and formed aggregates (arrows)on the collagen scaffolds. (magnifications: A 20X, B 40X different area)
Conclusion and Future Work
At this time point (day 7) we can conclude that, the collagen scaffolds supported the attachment of BMMSCs. However it was too early to distinguish whether or not there was proteoglycan deposition. This calls for a need to further study with a longer testing period.
Acknowledgements
We’d like to thank Kern Foundation for funding through LEGENDS Entrepreneurial Student Awards (LESA).
References
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Bartis, Domokos, and Judit Pongrácz. "Three dimensional tissue cultures and tissue engineering." (2011). Web. 13 Apr
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"Mesenchymal Stem Cells." STEM CELLS. Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Iceland, n.d. Web. 13 Apr